HEKS/EPER is making a difference in the «Church cooperation» in Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. It is still marked by the negative consequences of the "Khmer Rouge" regime. Authoritarian rule and a weak democracy are hampering economic development. Agriculture provides a livelihood for some 80 per cent of the population and still has enormous potential for development. Through a broad-based country aid strategy, HEKS/EPER and its partner organizations are working to secure the livelihoods of Cambodian smallholder families and boost their autonomy. This involves several complementary projects to improve agricultural output and foster peaceful coexistence in society.

Facts

In 2017 HEKS/EPER supplied some 42000 people in Cambodia with emergency aid.

Some 4500 people boosted their crop yields and of them, 2000 increased their income.

Alongside development cooperation and humanitarian aid, church cooperation is the third pillar of HEKS/EPER's international work. For decades in some cases, HEKS/EPER has been supporting, advising, promoting and accompanying Reformed Churches in Eastern Europe, Italy and the Near East in their diaconal work and in building up vibrant church communities. HEKS/EPER supports various church-run social activities, especially for children and young people. In addition, HEKS/EPER is ensuring the continued existence of active church parishes through financial and logistical support for the renovation of run-down church buildings. Lastly, through church parish partnerships as well as exchange and continuing education programmes, HEKS/EPER promotes dialogue between Reformed Church parishes in Switzerland and partner churches abroad.